Should I study for a master’s in counselling online or in person?

When choosing to study a master of counselling, many students find it hard to choose between online or in-person studying, leaving them frustrated and unsure how to proceed. That is where we come in, with the answers and support that you need!

Studying for a master’s in Counselling online or in person comes with different benefits and drawbacks that should be considered carefully before making your decision. Today, we walk you through these benefits and drawbacks to help you choose the perfect course option.

What are the benefits of studying for a master’s in counselling online?

Studying a master of counselling online comes with many benefits, including flexibility and the ability to study at your own pace. It tends to be the ideal option for anyone who plans to work while studying or has other commitments they must honour. The course is typically delivered part-time, and you will work through one unit at a time, making the workload more manageable. The benefits can vary depending on your needs, but typically you can enjoy the following:

You get the same qualification – allowing you to become a qualified counsellor without needing to leave your home and while maintaining your current workload and commitments
You can start at any time – with most online counselling courses having an intake every two months, so you won’t need to wait until September to start working towards your goals
You can take breaks – between each unit if needed, so you don’t need to worry about life getting in the way and impacting your studies
You can complete the course at your own pace – with pre-recorded classes and resources available 24/7, allowing you to work through the course at your own pace
It can be cheaper – online courses tend to offer lower fees than in-person, and you can usually spread the cost, paying one unit at a time
It offers 24/7 resources – so you can catch up on reading or revisit classes to refresh your knowledge when it suits you. Most course providers allow for downloadable materials, too, so you can work offline or on the go
It is flexible – allowing you to study at any time of day, tailoring the course to perfectly suit your needs and schedule

What are the drawbacks of studying for a master’s in counselling online?

Studying a master’s of counselling online does come with a few drawbacks, including feeling isolated and struggling to motivate yourself. How much these drawbacks impact you will depend on how you prefer to study, but you should consider the following drawbacks:

It can be difficult to motivate yourself – with no physical classes, some students struggle to motivate themselves to complete their assignments and engage with the resources
It can be isolating – as you don’t get much interaction with other students or professors, which some students can struggle with
There is a lack of face-to-face time – as you won’t often speak to course leaders or other students in person, which can make it tricky to access the support you need

What are the benefits of studying for a master’s in Counselling in person?

Completing a master of Counselling in person has a few benefits that make it a better option for some students. You might experience fewer distractions and will usually access more support from your professors. We have outlined the main benefits you should be aware of below:

You can complete the course quicker – as many in-person courses are taught full-time, giving you the chance to complete the course in less time
You can gain essential skills – including self-motivation, time management, and self-discipline, which can be improved as you travel to campus and fit your studies in with your other commitments
You can speak to your tutor face-to-face – allowing you to get clarity on topics discussed, ask for support, and create a relationship with them throughout the course
You can engage with peers – allowing you to interact with other students, share ideas, and even motivate one another
There are freer distractions – when working in a classroom setting, which can help you stay focused on your studies

What are the drawbacks of studying for a master’s in counselling in person?

There are a few drawbacks that should be considered when choosing to study a master of Counselling in-person, including lengthy commutes and expensive course fees. Before studying in-person, we recommend considering these drawbacks:

You can spend a lot of time commuting – which can impact your study time and hinder your current lifestyle
You can spend more – as in-person courses can be more expensive, with less flexible payment options
You might get distracted – by your peers during gaps between classes or while you are trying to study, impacting how long it will take you to complete your studies

Online or in-person master of counselling – which should you choose?

When choosing between online and in-person studying, it is important that you consider your options carefully and choose which is best for you. An online master of counselling comes with flexibility and reduced prices, making it ideal for anyone on a budget.

ECU offers an excellent online master of counselling course that allows you to progress as a counsellor, without worrying about fitting in your studies around your commitments. Speak to ECU to learn about their master of Counselling online course today.